Whatever the Weather: Can a tree predict the weather?

Join our Learning Team for the 'Whatever the Weather' family trail around the arboretum this half term (between 12-14 February) to discover how trees survive in all sorts of weather, how trees can change the weather and what we are doing to prepare the arboretum for a changing climate.

There is a lot of folklore surrounding trees as weather predictors. It’s hard to separate the myths from the science, as some people say that trees do react to changes in air pressure and humidity that we humans can’t detect. Here are some tree predictions, why not test them out for yourself?

“When maple leaves curl and turn bottom up in a blowing wind, rain is sure to follow”

“Open pinecones predict dry weather and closed pinecones predict rain”

“The first bloom on the horse chestnut tree indicates that winter is over and there will be no more cold weather”.

"If the oak flowers before the ash, we shall have a splash. If the ash flowers before the oak, we shall have a soak“

You can find out more by visiting the Great Oak Hall to pick up a trail map and taking part in our free fun activities at the Learning Centre between 11am and 3pm, 12-14 February.

Useful links and information:

Take a look at the Plan Your Visit web pages for opening times, directions and more information.